Poppyscotland will launch a new Welfare Support Service for the Armed Forces community in Scotland in the coming months, and now the leading military charity is on the lookout for six talented and committed individuals across the country to help deliver this exciting initiative.

From early summer, the new team will deliver the service, which will significantly enhance Poppyscotland’s already comprehensive range of support. The service will have national capability, but, critically, will have a local focus and be tailored to the specific needs of each individual. The Welfare Support Service will be made up of four Welfare Support Officers and two Independent Living Advisers, each working within a designated geographical area.

The Welfare Support Officer will provide holistic support to vulnerable beneficiaries and to those identified as having multiple and complex needs in the area. As well as acting as point of contact for Poppyscotland’s clients, the individual will work alongside a wide network of professionals, agencies and volunteers to ensure that veterans all over Scotland who require support get the help needed.

Working alongside the Welfare Support Officer will be a locally-based Independent Living Advisor, who will provide advice, support and advocacy for members of the Armed Forces community who are living with – or caring for someone living with – long term illness, continuing care or disabilities and to help them to access statutory support services, where appropriate.

Each of the four Welfare Support Officers will look after a “quarter” of the country, split thus: Aberdeen and the Highlands & Islands; Fife, Edinburgh & the Lothians, Perth & Kinross and Dundee & Angus; Dunbartonshire, Ayrshire, Renfrewshire & Inverclyde, Argyll & Bute, Dumfries & Galloway, and the Scottish Borders; and Glasgow, Forth Valley and Lanarkshire. Meanwhile, the two Independent Living Advisors will split the country into two “regions” to be covered by each.

Gary Gray, the Head of Welfare Services at Poppyscotland, said: “Poppyscotland is at the forefront of delivery of support to our Armed Forces community across Scotland. We reach out to those who have served, those still serving, and their families at times of crisis and need by offering vital, practical advice, assistance and funding.

“This is a hugely exciting period for Poppyscotland’s Welfare Services team. The implementation of the Welfare Support Service will offer us a unique opportunity to deliver support in the communities across Scotland; providing a holistic, person-centred support to individuals who are particularly vulnerable and have complex needs.”

Chris Fisher, who served in the Royal Navy from 1970 to 1977 and now lives in Helensburgh with his wife Julie, has received help in the past from Poppyscotland. Chris suffers from a progressive and degenerative disability, in which his body has been trying to form a foetal position. He only has the use of his left hand and his hips and knees have fused, meaning getting anywhere was impossible until Poppyscotland provided a grant for a specially adapted van which allows Chris to get out and about

On the help he has received, Chris says: “The difference the support has made is huge. I have much more freedom and independence now and cannot thank Poppyscotland enough for all that they have done for me.

“Looking ahead, it’s great to hear of the new Welfare Support Service that will help other veterans like me to access the right support in the right location. The local focus will be so important, especially given the complexity of so many of the cases that Poppyscotland deals with. My own condition is incredibly rare, so it will prove invaluable in the future for those in need to have a named point of contact.”

Poppyscotland is a member of The Royal British Legion group of charities, and is a trading name of The Earl Haig Fund Scotland. Scottish Charity No. SC014096. A Company limited by guarantee.
Registered in Scotland No. 194893 at New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ. The Royal British Legion, Haig House, 199 Borough High Street, London SE1 1AA. Charity Registration No. 219279